Arizona Governor Signs Legislation to Protect Women and Babies

by Kim Trobee

ARIZONA – Abortion sellers in Arizona are now subject to the same inspection standards as medical facilities. Gov. Jan Brewer signed the Women’s Health Protection Act.

In the past, if someone wanted to inspect an abortion outlet, they had to obtain a warrant from the courts. Pro-lifers argued that no similar facility required such a warrant and that doing so put the health of women and pre-born babies at risk.

“This legislation will ensure that the Arizona Department of Health Services has the authority to appropriately protect the health and safety of all patients,” said Andrew Wilder, gubernatorial spokesman.

Pro-aborts in the state weren’t happy, calling the measure “unnecessary.”

“We’re not surprised that Governor Brewer signed this bill,” said Bryan Howard, president of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona. “She has been hostile to women’s health care, including abortion and family planning, since the day she took office.”

Abortionists have come under increasing scrutiny since the discovery of Kermit Gosnell’s “House of Horrors” in Philadelphia. Gosnell was found guilty of murder for killing babies who were born alive during late-term abortions. Gosnell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During that investigation, it was discovered that Gosnell’s facility had not been inspected in many years.

Cathi Herrod with the Center for Arizona Policy called the governor’s support a “tremendous victory” for the pro-life movement.

“I am grateful to the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Debbie Lesko, who championed this important legislation and all the legislators that voted for HB 2284,” she said. “Governor Jan Brewer is also owed a debt of gratitude for standing up to the attacks and distortions from Planned Parenthood to carry on her tremendous legacy as the nation’s most pro-life governor.”

Herrod also vowed to continue to fight for life.

“Today, we celebrate this victory,” she said, “but our work will never be done until every woman and preborn child is protected from the dangerous and deadly practices of Planned Parenthood and the abortion industry.”